Anyone want to buy a Swarovsky 95ATX
I used to get shots like this ==impossible distance=== via
the digiscope and the image quality with the 1.7TCii reminds me
very much same with the Swarovsky at these distance, approximately 55-60 yards.
One thing I didn't do was let the rig acclimate, brought straight out
of the house/warm into 52F air.
Nikon D500
500.0 mm f/5.6
ƒ/10.0 850.0 mm 1/1250 640
The D500 will track but it is another world lacking compared to the 1.4TCiii or plain lens.
IQ with 1.7TCiii not suitable for imagery, but a 'birder' seeking to ID birds why not.
But the good news is we have two hawks back now! Proof, if you build it and stock it with meat they will come!...Show more →
The hawk shot IQ looks to me like atmosphere more than the lens or a combination of atmosphere and a lens out of MFA....Did you do an MFA calibration with the 1.7TC on the 500PF?
I was hoping that if the lens is so good with the 1.4TC that it would also hold up to the 1.7TC without much issue after a good MFA workout. My other prime lenses do remarkably well with the 1.7 but both of them (500E and 300PF) did need a healthy dose of MFA....the 2xTC is another level of MFA frustration but even then I managed to get it dialled on the other primes....no I'm not expecting a 2xTC success on the 500PF but was hoping for 1.7 usability in good light for perched birds....my 500PF is still on order....still haven't decided if it is the right lens for me but still haven't cancelled it.....
arbitrage wrote:
The hawk shot IQ looks to me like atmosphere more than the lens or a combination of atmosphere and a lens out of MFA....Did you do an MFA calibration with the 1.7TC on the 500PF?
I was hoping that if the lens is so good with the 1.4TC that it would also hold up to the 1.7TC without much issue after a good MFA workout. My other prime lenses do remarkably well with the 1.7 but both of them (500E and 300PF) did need a healthy dose of MFA....the 2xTC is another level of MFA frustration but even then I managed to get it dialled on the other primes....no I'm not expecting a 2xTC success on the 500PF but was hoping for 1.7 usability in good light for perched birds....my 500PF is still on order....still haven't decided if it is the right lens for me but still haven't cancelled it........Show more →
It's my work week---hospital owns me until Wednesday. Then I'll give the 1.7+500PF a go at a reasonable distance 30-50 feet on perched and see what gives. Someone on FM somewhere said that 60+ (my memory) yard shots will deal with atmospherics even on a good day.
Better news. Saw both hawks today. Cuddled like bird lovers. I think we have regained a nesting pair. Not that I need more hawk shots; just like having them around. It gives the Crows and Blue-Js something to do.
Just a note for those looking to get their hands on a copy who haven't yet - I placed a preorder with a larger retailer back in August a few days after the lens was announced and I have yet to receive anything from them yet.
After a few weeks of no luck finding a copy, I called my local camera store on September 19 to see if they had an idea of when they may get the lens and the store manager mentioned they had one arriving that day for someone who had put down a deposit and he recommended I do the same because their Nikon rep stated they are putting priority on orders that have actual money down. Sure enough, they shipment arrived at their store yesterday and even though they had ordered 3, they only received two - one for me and one for another customer who also put down a deposit.
If you're still on a waiting list and want to drastically improve your chances of getting one in the next shipment, I'd recommend finding a store that will take a pre-order with a deposit because apparently Nikon takes note of that and adjusts their shipments accordingly.
webmstrk9 wrote:
I'm debating, how many of y'all are using a circular polarizer?
No polarizer for me... I do not shoot wildlife in an environment where a polarizer would do anything. In addition, I do not want to lose a stop of light due to the polarizer.
AvianScott wrote:
Just a note for those looking to get their hands on a copy who haven't yet - I placed a preorder with a larger retailer back in August a few days after the lens was announced and I have yet to receive anything from them yet.
After a few weeks of no luck finding a copy, I called my local camera store on September 19 to see if they had an idea of when they may get the lens and the store manager mentioned they had one arriving that day for someone who had put down a deposit and he recommended I do the same because their Nikon rep stated they are putting priority on orders that have actual money down. Sure enough, they shipment arrived at their store yesterday and even though they had ordered 3, they only received two - one for me and one for another customer who also put down a deposit.
If you're still on a waiting list and want to drastically improve your chances of getting one in the next shipment, I'd recommend finding a store that will take a pre-order with a deposit because apparently Nikon takes note of that and adjusts their shipments accordingly....Show more →
Exactly what I did for both copies I ordered. Both ordered locally with a deposit placed for both, of course ours are US copies.
Thank you for all the advice. Unfortunately, B&H - I am in daily email contact with them - does not budge on the matter. If any of you would know of a lens available, I would greatly appreciate it.
Otherwise, I'll likely get it mid November,though I lost my trust.
FYI for those are looking for an arca swiss plate/foot and I believe @medicineman404 has already purchased waaaaaaaaay back in the day.
Per RRS Customer Service
"The LCF-11 is the dedicated foot for the Nikon 500 5.6 lens. It does incorporate an integrated QD socket.
LCF-11: http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/LCF-11-for-Nikon-70-200mm-f2-8E-FL-ED-VR-2016
Please note that the page for the LCF-11 lists the foot as the dedicated foot for the Nikon 70-200mm. Rest assured that this is the correct foot for the Nikon 500mm as well, the product page just hasn't been updated quite yet."
If it helps anyone ...again.... this is the one I purchased- https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1304041-REG/kirk_lp_64_replacement_lens_foot_for.html
Kirk Replacement Lens Foot for Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR and AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR Lens
I've since modded it. The front most hole is now larger and accepts an Op/Tech Uni loop, as per my habit to have an insurance plan for long glass.
After a hurried one time MFA in the hospital last night (I think you do this 10 or more times and average) session and taking the single MFA value as gospel; and with MFA on (anyone ever forget to turn it on in the menu?).
Nikon D500
500.0 mm f/5.6
ƒ/9.5 850.0 mm 1/1600 1250
Handheld, wearing a Ghille, and my challenge obviously is ISO and keeping the shutter high enough for the effective 1275mm.
I think for those willing to invest more MFA time the odds will increase.
If you have steadier hands than me and can decrease your shutter, even better.
45 min's for one bierd opportunity and he gave me all of 2 seconds to get on him, then he was off
Walked off the distance to the base of the tree afterward. Pretty close to 65 feet...and he was about 20 feet up.
No way for me to get a single AF point anywhere near the head. I was happy to get D25 just on his body
OK, same two hawks (I cropped out the male, looking the wrong way) and then processed this one (i.e. I sharpened).
If I was 60-65 yards away couple days ago today I was further away with an additional 20-25 feet today.
MFA? Better air? I'd consider this one usable and at 1275mm effective I'm not complaining.
